Camp Family Info
Welcome To The Summer of 2024!
Welcome!
Thank you for choosing Extreme STEAM Science Kids at Park Shore! We can’t wait to see you! We know you may have questions before arriving at Park Shore this summer, so we’ve gathered information to help answer some of those. You can always contact us with questions or concerns at 631-499-8580 or email us.
Curriculum Themes & Session Overview
At Extreme STEAM Science Kids summer camp, we believe that learning can be both fun and educational. Our indoor and outdoor classrooms include a hydroponic grow-lab, multiple gardens, a robotics room, an engineering room, and the ESSK cave complete with reptiles, fish and a pond ecosystem. Our campers have the opportunity to explore the natural world around them and learn about scientific concepts through hands-on activities that are engaging, challenging, and rewarding. Our experienced instructors guide campers through a variety of lessons, experiences and experiments designed to promote critical thinking, responsible citizenship, problem-solving, and creativity.
Our curriculum is designed to inspire a love of learning and encourage children to explore new ideas, ask questions, and develop their own interests. Campers will demonstrate learning through use of models, creative arts, mathematical computation and graphing. We will incorporate measuring, addition, subtraction, spatial reasoning, design process, and fine-motor skill development in all of our learning spaces. Through activities like nature hikes, building projects, and experiments, our campers gain a deeper understanding of the world around them and learn about topics such as adaptation, Earth’s natural history, ecosystems, and forces and motion. Robotics, mechanical and electrical engineering, life, physical and earth science, and coding will all be incorporated into each two-week block.
This summer we are bringing back field trips and campers will continue to host the successful Green-Thumb Market. In this event, campers create a unique monetary system and use it to sell the yard-garden and hydroponically-grown produce as well as themed crafts to parents and camp staff. We will also be making use of the sky trails, Bungee, Ninja course and rock wall for science experiments. Of course the summer would not be complete without our end-of-year cardboard boat Regatta!
By providing opportunities for children to learn through exploration and play, we believe that we can help them develop a lifelong love of learning and an appreciation for the natural world. Our campers leave with new skills, knowledge, and friendships that will stay with them long after the summer is over.
ALL FIELD TRIP DATES ARE TENTATIVE. MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON!
Reminders: Science is MESSY! We use paint and dirt almost every day. Please send your camper in play clothes that can get dirty! Please send in recyclables such as plastic bottles with caps, corks, egg cartons, paper towel rolls and clear plastic food containers so that we can use them for some Extreme STEAM fun.
Block 1: July 1 – 12 (camp closed 7/4)
Energy Explorers Expedition
- Explore the cross-cutting concept of “Energy and Matter” through hands-on activities.
- Engage in robotics projects that demonstrate energy transfer and transformation.
- Build gardens that showcase the interdependence of energy flow in ecosystems.
- Integrate digital technology to study and simulate energy processes in various systems.
- Use digital tools to monitor and analyze the energy exchange within the terrarium.
- Discuss the role of photosynthesis and respiration in plant energy dynamics.
- Set up terrariums with plants that demonstrate different aspects of energy conversion and usage.
- Discuss the role of photosynthesis and respiration in plant energy dynamics.
- creation of digital models or simulations of energy-related engineering projects using basic coding skills.
- Create a digital representation of an energy-efficient home or school environment using Tynker.
- code Dash as an “energy-efficient robot protector.” Program and engineer appendages to identify and address energy waste in a simulated environment.
- Model kinetic and potential energy with Dash
- Design and build roller coasters with piping and marbles so that students can ask questions and predict outcomes about the changes in energy that occur over hills and when objects collide
- Investigate patterns of leaves throughout gardens and hydroponics.
- Creation of bottle cars and students collect evidence to construct an explanation relating the speed and energy
- Creation of wind instruments to demonstrate the transformation of one type of energy to another.
- Create and study different types of waves
- Monitor Earthquakes around the world and investigate how earthquake waves travel
- Simulate different types of earthquake waves with engineered earthquake-safe buildings.
- Field trip date TBA- Heckscher Art Museum
Block 2: July 15-26
Patterns in Nature Adventure
- Identify patterns in bird songs, insect noises, and other sound while observing animals on campus and in our cave
- Use robotics to explore and mimic patterns found in nature, such as animal behaviors.
- Create gardens that highlight patterns in plant growth and biodiversity.
- Employ digital technology to analyze and model patterns within ecosystems.
- Explore “Cycles” in natural phenomena such as moon phases, tides, and sunspots.
- Use robotics to model cycles, such as the water cycle or life cycles of organisms.
- Create gardens that represent nutrient cycles and ecological processes.
- Utilize digital technology to simulate and study natural cycles in different ecosystems.
- Track and study the migration habits of butterflies, sharks, and birds
- Observe patterns of feeding and pollinating behaviors of insects on campus while they visit our various gardens.
- Create feeders for birds to observe, journal, and graph their feeding behaviors.
- Investigate patterns in environment in preference for habitats for various animals in the cave
- Create habitats based on reptile habits and preferences.
- Nature-inspired art using found objects like leaves, rocks, and twigs.
- Field trip TBA- Sweetbriar Nature Center
Block 3: July 29 – August 9
Systems and Interactions Safari
- Explore the cross-cutting concept of “Systems and System Models” in different biomes.
- Build robotic models to understand how systems interact within ecosystems.
- Design gardens that represent the interconnectedness of living organisms and their environments.
- Utilize digital technology to model and simulate complex systems in nature.
- Investigate the cross-cutting concept of “Structure and Function” across various ecosystems.
- Use robotics to study how the structure of animals and plants relates to their functions.
- Design gardens that showcase the structural adaptations of plants in different environments.
- Incorporate digital technology to explore the relationship between structure and function in biological systems.
- Human Impact and Conservation
- Investigate the cross-cutting concept of “Stability and Change” in ecosystems.
- Investigate the cross-cutting concept of “Cause and Effect” when humans modify ecosystems.
- Engage in robotics projects that simulate human impacts on ecosystems.
- Design gardens that showcase the need for conservation and stability.
- Field trip date TBA Tanglewood dinosaur exhibit
Block 4: August 12-23
Ideators and Visionaries- Structure and Function Quest
- Engage in robotics projects that explore how organisms can be ecosystem engineers.
- design and build models of energy-saving devices for the home or school using recyclable materials.
- Engineering our own mini-hydroponic vertical gardening systems using items such as plastic containers, PVC pipes
- Integrate coding to program virtual eco-gardens and explore the possible benefits to coding sustainable practices.
- Design gardens that showcase the cause-and-effect relationships within ecosystems.
- Integrate digital technology to understand and model the impact of various factors on ecosystems.
- Explore the cross-cutting concept of “Biodiversity and Evolution” in different environments.
- Use robotics to study how organisms adapt to their surroundings.
- Design gardens that showcase the biodiversity of different ecosystems.
- Incorporate digital technology to explore and model the relationships between adaptations and biodiversity.
- Utilize digital technology to explore and model changes in ecosystems over time.
- Regatta Date TBA
These themes are designed to align with NGSS cross-cutting concepts while integrating robotics, engineering, gardening, various environments in our cave, and digital technology for an enriching and interdisciplinary summer camp experience.
Camp Dates
July 1 – August 23, 2024
Park Shore will be closed on July 4th in observance of the July 4th holiday.
Camp Hours
Regular Camp Hours: 8:45am – 3:30pm
Before Care begins at 7:45am
After Care ends at 5:30pm
Should you require additional information, our office is open Monday-Friday, 7am-5pm and throughout the summer Monday through Friday between 7:30am and 5:30pm to assist you. Our answering machine is activated between 5:30pm and 7:30am should you need to leave a message.
Calendars
Lunch
The PARK SHORE NUTRITIOUS and DELICIOUS HOT LUNCH MENU is prepared professionally with loving care while keeping our campers’ nutritional interests in mind. Lunch is always a fun time at Park Shore. Your child’s counselors will always be with their campers making lunchtime comfortable and enjoyable. Music every day at the Food Emporium makes lunch at Park Shore more than just a time to eat. Our Special Events team is always creating something fun and exciting to enhance our lunch experience as well.
Park Shore is pleased to offer Gluten Free lunch options for our campers with medical gluten issues. Park Shore is a Peanut Sensitive camp. Please contact our office if your child has any special medical dietary needs.
Your child is encouraged to eat the entrée of the day, however, in the event, he/she needs a substitute, the following sandwiches are available:
- Turkey • Tuna • American Cheese • Bologna • Salami • Bagel with Butter or Cream Cheese
Desserts will vary throughout the week and will include:
- Seasonal Fresh Fruit • Apples • Oranges • Pears • Jello
Park Shore is pleased to serve water and/or juice boxes upon request during all lunch periods.
We make every effort to create an enjoyable experience during lunchtime and want your child to be comfortable while eating. Please call the camp if you need additional assistance.
If your child brings his/her lunch to camp, please pack it in a brown paper bag clearly marked with your child’s name and camp group. The lunch will be placed in our walk-in refrigerator until lunchtime.
Transportation
After the first two to three days of Camp, the times of pick-up and take-home will become regular. Early dismissals will be held during the first week and on rainy days. Buses will leave approximately 15 minutes early on these days. Please call if you have any additional questions.
Health & Safety
In order to make sure we exercise every precaution to safeguard your child’s health, safety, and welfare, Park Shore is inspected by the Suffolk County Health Department. These inspections take place before our session begins and during the operation of our Day Camp. We follow all the regulations set by both the New York State and Suffolk County Health Departments, as well as the standards set by the American Camp Association (ACA). Our Campers are closely watched for any signs of illness by their group leaders and are assisted by our Registered Nurses. Our Health Office Staff is in constant attendance and can be found in Park Shore’s modern Health Care Center.
In order to keep our campers healthy, we ask for your cooperation in keeping home any child with a cold or other symptoms of illness. Your child’s medical form(s) must be completed by your physician and returned to camp. This is a Suffolk County Health Department regulation. Your cooperation in returning the medical form(s) in a timely manner is both appreciated and a requirement. We recommend that you make an appointment with your child’s physician now so that returning your child’s medical form(s) won’t be delayed.
Confidential Information
Please fill out your child’s Camper Profile Sheet carefully and thoroughly. In order for us to fully understand your child and to help make his/her adjustment to camp easier, this profile will be shared with your child’s Director. Please return this form with your child’s medical form.
Daily Photo Gallery
We look forward to another wonderful summer taking pictures of your children. These pictures will be posted on our website on a daily basis. We hope you enjoy getting a glimpse into your child’s experiences at Park Shore. To ensure the safety and security of all our campers, our Photo Gallery is only available to registered Park Shore families. In order to gain access to the Park Shore Photo Gallery, you must register at the Park Shore website and indicate whether you are a camp family, a school family or both. Your approval should come within 24 hours of registering.
Our Park Shore Environment
We appreciate your help in keeping Park Shore a “SMOKE-FREE” environment. Thank you for not smoking when at camp.
Visiting
Due to our safety protocols, our traditional parent visitation and late nights are temporarily suspended until further notice.
We respectfully request that parents cooperate with us and refrain from visiting Camp during the first week. Please call the office ahead of time if you would like to visit your child. Each group will have visitation either during the day or evening as detailed later on during the summer. We definitely want all parents to meet the group counselors and to observe their child’s group in action. By following a carefully planned routine, we are able to accomplish this goal without disrupting the overall Camp Program and without disrupting the adjustment of your child’s group.
WRITTEN PERMISSION FROM YOU MUST BE SUBMITTED TO THE CAMP OFFICE IN ADVANCE:
- If you wish to take your child home early, your child will be waiting at the Director’s Office at the time you indicated. Please make every attempt to pick up your child before 3:15 p.m. to avoid being delayed by our regular dismissal.
- If you wish any other person to take your child home. Driver’s License or other photo ID is required.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES IS A PARENT TO TAKE HIS OR HER CHILD FROM PARK SHORE WITHOUT CHECKING IN AND OUT OF THE OFFICE.
Birthdays
If your child celebrates a birthday during our camp season, please call the camp office for information regarding party arrangements. We will, however, have one big Park Shore BIRTHDAY BONANZA in July and one in August celebrating all of our Park Shore campers’ birthdays. For the parent who would like to celebrate their child’s birthday during their lunch period, The Grill is available for such an occasion. Please call in advance to reserve your spot.
Swimming Pools
In the operation of our pools, the very highest standards of hygiene are consistently maintained. Our filtration plant is an integral part of our pool equipment and is tended by a Certified Pool Operator who makes constant tests of the water each day.
All three of our pools are heated, which adds to our campers’ swimming enjoyment. We use the Red Cross Swim Program taught by Red Cross trained and qualified Swim Instructors. Campers are placed into swim groups according to their swimming ability and age. They will be able to progress to their highest potential and receive either Park Shore or Red Cross swimming certificates.
Those Junior and Senior campers who are deemed ready are given a DEEP WATER TEST and those who pass are given a GREEN DEEP WATER BRACELET. This bracelet alerts all counselors and lifeguards that this camper is certified and allowed to swim in our deep water pool. This test is given on a weekly basis. YELLOW BRACELETS are given to our Junior and Senior campers who have the ability to swim in the deepwater section of our main pool. They are NOT allowed to swim in the Deep Water Pool.
We encourage all campers to wear their bracelet for the duration of the camp season. If for any reason the bracelet is lost or removed, a new bracelet will be given to that camper. We emphasize safety while having fun in the Park Shore swimming pools.
Towels
Park Shore will provide professionally cleaned terry cloth towels during each swim.
Sunscreen
For those parents who want sunscreen applied at camp, please send sunscreen labeled with your child’s name along with a note giving permission and instructions as to what you want to be done. The first coat of sunscreen should be applied at home before your child(ren) come(s) to camp.
Camp Clothing
Each camper will receive one (1) Camp T-shirt. T-shirts for our SUPER SENIORS, EXPLORERS & SUPER TEENS will be handed out at the beginning of camp or when their session starts.
Clothing & Equipment
Your child(ren) should bring two (2) bathing suits to camp every day. Other clothing items are not necessary. Baseball gloves should also be marked with your child’s name. Park Shore will exercise every care in safeguarding the clothing your child has in camp, but we cannot be responsible for the loss of any personal property. Do not send very expensive and valuable items to camp.
NO CHILD MAY BRING BASEBALL BATS, HOCKEY STICKS, TOY GUNS, WATER PISTOLS, TOY KNIVES, CELL PHONES, IPODS, IPADS, ELECTRONIC TOYS, OR ANY KIND OF TRADING CARDS TO CAMP.
Rainy Days
On rainy days, please dress your child in a raincoat, hat, and shoes appropriate for the rain, all clearly marked with their name. Our campers will participate in our rainy day schedule of activities that will take them to all of our indoor facilities. When we know it will rain for the entire day, our Senior campers will leave the grounds and go bowling or to the movies. Please DO NOT send your child with spending money to buy snacks or play video games when they leave Park Shore as they will not have time to participate in these activities.
Cell Phones
Cell Phones are NOT allowed at camp because they create a distraction while campers are busy at an activity. All calls can be made from the main office. Parents who need to contact their child can call our office or Travel Directors when necessary. Parents of travel campers will be given the cell phone number of their child’s Travel Director. See specific travel information for more details.
Bullying
Park Shore is no place for socially cruel behaviors. The physical and emotional safety of our campers has always been and continues to be, our number one concern and priority. For this reason, bullying of any kind will not be tolerated. Parents will always be informed to assist in eradicating this behavior, if this negative behavior cannot be stopped our tolerance policy will be enforced and the camper who is doing the bullying will be asked to leave camp.
Travel Guidelines & Rules
Visit Us
450 Deer Park Road
Dix Hills, NY 11746
Tour Hours
M-F: 10am - 3pm
S-S: 11am - 2pm (February - June)